Milestones for 4-Year-Olds - Topic Overview

Children usually progress in a natural, predictable
sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. But each child grows and
gains skills at his or her own pace. Some children may be advanced in one area,
such as language, but behind in another, such as sensory and motor
development.

Milestones usually are categorized into five major
areas: physical growth, cognitive development, emotional and social
development, language development, and sensory and motor development.

Physical growth and development

Most children by age
4:

Have gained about
4.4 lb (2 kg) and grown about
3 in. (8 cm) since their third
birthday.

To see the high and low percentiles for normal weight and growth, go to www.cdc.gov/growthcharts.

Thinking and reasoning (cognitive development)

Most
children by age 4:

Can say their first and last names.

Understand the concept of counting and may know some
numbers.

Better understand concepts of time.

Can name
some colors.

Understand the difference between things that are the
same and things that are different.

Are aware of their own gender
and can identify the gender of others.

Understand that events are
connected, although their interpretation may not always be logical. For
example, a child may understand the logic that glass may break if hit with a
rock. But he or she may still throw the rock thinking that it won't break this
time (magical thinking).

Know the difference between fantasy and
reality. But they still play "pretend," which becomes increasingly inventive.
They also may blur fantasy and reality when they are stressed or have extreme
emotions. They may develop new fears as a result of their active
imaginations.

Emotional and social development

Most children by
age 4:

View themselves as whole people, with a body,
mind, and feelings.

Are aware that they can be hurt physically,
which sometimes causes them to be very sensitive about their
bodies.

Are interested in new experiences.

Cooperate
with other children and, with help, can negotiate solutions to conflicts.